The calculator seems to work well, but I had some problems with the links on the pcd mag page. (notified their webmaster).
 
Our typical design uses 4 oz. boards for all of our "heavy duty" boards.  It used to be 6 oz. but we had too many vendor quality problems or no bids on orders.  On these boards we usually design the board by removing as little copper as possible (right or wrong).
 
Phil Nutting
-----Original Message-----
From: Denis Lefebvre [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2002 1:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] Copper

There is a calculator application available here:
http://www.ultracad.com/calc.htm
Scroll down to Wiregage.exe.

Also see: http://www.pcdmag.com/resources/equations/
-Denis

At 11:38 AM 1/4/2002 -0600, you wrote:
In the August 1997 issue of Printed Circuit Design there was a Designer's
Viewpoint column that had a conversion chart for finished trace widths to
standard wire gauges.  It has copper weights of 1/2, 1, and 2oz related to
AWG ratings ranging from #39 down to #10.  For instance, to get the
equivalent of AWG #10 in a 2oz non plated trace, it must be 0.472429" wide,
for a plated trace, 0.344745".  It also gives the resistance/inch for 20, 50
and 75 degrees celcius.
It doesn't give current carrying capability, but you can usually get current
ratings of AWG wires.  Do you have to do 80A all in one trace?  Can you run
some wires in parallel with the trace on the board?

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon Stutzman [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: January 4, 2002 11:01 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Copper


Hello everyone;

I am looking for a chart or an equation that will allow me to find the
copper thickness needed in relation to current.  I have the chart that is
given by IPC but this chart dose not give current ranges or copper
thicknesses high enough for my application.  I need to how thick of copper
to use for 80 amps and what the minimum trace width that can be used.  If
any of you have any information on this I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

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